Yin Yoga and TCM: Autumn season- main element, organs and emotions

(part 1)

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all beings are interlinked within the whole of nature and can thrive by living in alignment with the natural cycles of life and death and seasonal changes, instead of resisting them, as well by learning how to balance and harmonize the emotions. By integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine on and off the yoga mat, we can deepen self-awareness, and cultivate lasting balance and wellbeing into our lives.

At the core of Chinese Medicine is the principle that nature is governed by Yin/Yang and the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each of these is associated with certain organs, seasons, emotions, tastes, smells, sounds. Moreover, each season is associated with a different element and with the energy system of different organs, so everything is very much interrelated. 

Main organs/emotions/elements in connection to the 5 principles of TCM

Today, we will discuss the Autumn season, as viewed in TCM, its corresponding meridians (energy channels), organs, emotions as well as postures or practices in yoga, as we are stepping away from the fiery and explosive energy of summer and preparing for the Yin, slow and intuitive feeling of winter season. Autumn is that colorful season that represents change manifested in nature all around, in the trees that are losing their leaves, in the days that are getting shorter and darker, and in most beings who are withdrawing into rest and sleep, in preparation for winter. It is a time of harvest, looking back to all our achievements and results, a time to draw the line and count our blessings. It is a season of transition, change, transformation in its purest form. As per TCM, the organs affected during the autumn season are the Lungs (our respiratory system) and the Large Intestine (part of our digestive and elimination system) and both are organs that have the role to divide between what is serving us and what doesn’t, for example the nutrients that we are processing and the waste that we are expelling on the physical level and that can be translated on the mental and emotional levels as well. The Lungs transform the air we breath into the oxygen necessary for our bodies to function and the Large Intestine eliminates the waste that our bodies no longer need. It is a period when these organs are especially affected by seasonal changes, such as humidity, cold or dryness, and it is not unusual that this season is also one of colds and flu. 

To maintain optimum health, the focus will be on strengthening and supporting these organs, through different postures and most importantly, breathing exercises (long and slow inhalations and exhalations), to avoid sore throat, colds, shortness of breath, allergies as well as dry skin, constipation or bloating. When it comes to supporting our Lungs and Large Intestines, it is vital to take it easy and slow, appreciating each and every breath, and this applies to our Yoga practice as well. Breathing exercises that focus on enhancing lung capacity through long and slow inhale and exhale, such as square breath or nadi shodhana, can prove extremely beneficial, as we allow qi (vital force) to freely circulate and release possible emotional blockages.

Here are also some seasonal foods that will help boost our immunity system and nourish the body during the seasonal autumn transition: soups, more warm fluids in general like ginger or herbal tea, steamed or boiled vegetables, apples, quinces, plums, pears, sweet pepper, onion, garlic, cabbage, mushrooms, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and much more.

This time of year is associated with the element of metal – responsible for moving inwards, setting boundaries, developing integrity. People who have a lot of the metal element in their personality are usually strong, well-organized and disciplined. They're excellent decision makers, but also sensitive and true thinkers and understand that change is a natural part of life as well as gratitude that we are showing for these changes. When a person is out of balance regarding the metal element, they usually display feelings of intense sadness, disconnection, resentment or depression. Metal connects one deeply to the feelings of grief and sadness. While these feelings may not be pleasant to experience, they're necessary nonetheless and autumn is exactly the season of embracing difficult or unpleasant emotions. Grief and sadness are the body's way of processing challenging life experiences, such as the loss of a loved one or changes in the personal or professional life. Allowing for space for these emotions to be processed and to flow through us is what can naturally heal us and some ways to do this is through movement, breathwork, dancing, crying or any other emotional expression, as well as journaling.

An important component to autumn is the feeling of letting go, associated also with this period of acute changes. Autumn is a wonderful time to reflect on what is no longer needed and to let go of what no longer serves us. This can translate into something big like letting go of a person, a home or a situation, but can also refer to letting go of a belief, way of living or material possessions for instance. It's natural for us as humans to resist change or uncertainty, but once we understand how life itself is made entirely of change and uncertainty, then we might come to an understanding and acceptance of this, in the long run and offer space for new beginnings and growth to happen.

To be continued.

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